Pat Yourself on the Back

[More Savvy]

I went to Walmart with family to get a gift. I didn't bring any qs in as I had already done all the shopping I was going to do that day. We split up to research a few ideas and I couldn't help noticing a few prices as I went through some areas. I think we all get so used to our own price points and sale prices that we lose touch with how much some things have gone up. I got sticker shock walking around and seeing how much I have really saved after only a little over a year. It especially hit home when I saw a man getting some store brand body wash for an amount that I wouldn't dare spend now. That was the only time I wish I had brought my qs. Any qs that I had would have brought a brand name price down below what he was paying and after hearing him talk with an employee I could tell he could have used the help. I think everyone should look around a little and then pat yourself on the back for going against the grain and shopping in a way that is foreign to most people. You will know how much you are helping your family, friends, charities, and the stranger that has been the recipient of a coupon or advice. I know I will never look at a can of vegetables the same way again.

[janniwanni54]

I know what you mean. I was watching the woman in line ahead of me tonight. She had a cart full and no coupons. I just cringed thinking how much the total was going to be.

[med98]

I totally agree! It's amazing to think that I used to be one of those people with a full cart and NOT a single coupon *gasp*!!!! I cringe!!! I really enjoy sprinkling my extra q's that I am not going to use throughout the stores warm and funny all over!!!

[dp38587]

Awful but true! I could spend $200 at the grocery, drop another $100 at Walmart and still run out of things. Even worse....we weren't eating one bit better then. These days a $100 trip is an extreme rarity.....like shopping for holiday meals. My 401K would sure be fat if I had started shopping smart 20 years ago!!!

Deb

[jenne64]

Have to agree with you! I went out with a friend the other day and she was amazed by how much I could save with a little planning and a binder full of paper instead of my purse full of money LOL

I hate shopping without my coupons nowadays and will only do it if I have to like pretty much everyone else here I suspect. I've learned to live with the annoyed customers who think you are crazy using coupons, those that are darn right rude and snooty cashiers... I even found a way to coupon at the outlet stores the other day, which blew my best friend away. I never leave home without my trusty keyring which is loaded with store loyalty cards. I hate the term retail rape but on the odd occasion I have to pay full price or am with someone that does it always seems strangely apt. I love it when my friendly cashiers look for me on a Sunday morning because they know I will be there at some stage and ask what this weeks best buys are.

What we do is awesome and even though we gripe about it sometimes and it gives us a major headache when things don't go according to plan, I don't think there is one of us on the board that has been doing this a while that would go back to our old ways willingly. I've been able to donate almost $2000 worth of goods to my daughters school and the local food pantry this year thanks to coupons and for that I am thankful as well. I've met some amazingly generous people through this board and I've ecounted some pretty awesome coupons on a Sunday morning shopping spree and swapped tips, etc.

Her's to a happy 2012 and another great year of savings!

[mnm'z]

I was behind a lady at Meijer last week and she has a small child with her and she was frantic about rushing around getting her waaaaaay overloaded cart onto the belt and then back into the cart after it was bagged. The bill ended up being $285.00 and she used 3 q's for a grand total of $2.05 to bring her grocery bill down. My mouth must have been sagging because I just can't imagine spending that much. She was so busy and then gone before I had a chance to talk with her about coupon shopping.

[Marie5656]

I agree. I am amazed about how many more coupons I use these days. Right now we are a bit low on meat products, and a few fresh things..but mainly because I have gotten a bit behind on shopping for that stuff. I will have to admit that I used some of my shopping money towards our new TV!!!!!! Just a small table top one, office size, but we got it, and are pleased as heck with it. Plus this is my month to have to do a big shopping trip for Trixie, the chinchilla...again not much on coupons for that. But a couple times a year I have to do a Trixie run, for food, bedding, hay and that kind of stuff.

[couponsguru]

Totally agree haha

[More Savvy]

You'll get another opportunity to help someone. We can't catch them all.

[spike78]

Wow, I can't imagine spending $285 on groceries!!! Especially one (albeit overloaded) cart! The lady in front of me at the grocery store spent $46 on 2 plastic bags of groceries the other day. I was shocked at her total. When the cashier gave her the receipt, she told her she saved 20 cents.... Ouch!!!!